Bayport, Minnesota Man Charged with Major Drug Offenses Following Arrest in Burnsville, Minnesota
BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA - A Bayport, Minnesota man, Ja'Juan Isaiah Thomas, 24, has been charged with two felonies after police discovered a large quantity of fentanyl-laced pills in his possession during a traffic stop in Burnsville, Minnesota on Saturday, August 3, 2024.
According to the criminal complaint filed in Dakota County by the Dakota County Attorney’s Office, Burnsville Police responded to a call around 7:07 a.m. regarding suspicious activity near Portland Avenue and 143rd Street East in Burnsville, Minnesota. Upon arriving at the scene, officers reportedly observed Thomas sitting in the front passenger seat of a vehicle. It was alleged that officers saw a rolled dollar bill and a powdery substance on Thomas’s lap, and a baggie was partially protruding from his sweatshirt pocket. Officers reportedly also noticed metal foil near his feet, further raising their suspicions.
According to the complaint, when instructed to exit the vehicle by Officers, it was alleged that Thomas initially resisted and it was reported that officers had to physically restrain him. During the struggle, it was alleged that a bag containing pills fell from his person. According to the complaint, subsequent searches of Thomas and the vehicle revealed approximately 1,501 small blue pills marked with “M30,” which are known to be counterfeit Oxycodone pills often containing fentanyl. Field tests later confirmed the presence of fentanyl in one of the pills.
In addition to the pills, police reportedly found $4,770 in cash on Thomas, raising their suspicions of drug trafficking activity. Following his arrest, Thomas allegedly briefly escaped custody by slipping out of one of his handcuffs and attempting to flee the scene. Officers were able to quickly apprehend him.
According to the complaint, Thomas initially provided a false identity, claiming his name was Jacoby Chevell Dixon with a birth date of January 21, 1998. However, officers were able to confirm his true identity and criminal history, which revealed multiple prior offenses, including a recent guilty plea in Dakota County for third-degree drug possession and fourth-degree assault.
According to court documents, Thomas is facing two counts of Controlled Substance Crime in the 1st Degree. The first count relates to the sale of heroin or fentanyl totaling ten or more grams or 40 or more dosage units within a 90-day period. The second count involves the possession of 25 or more grams or 100 or more dosage units of heroin or fentanyl. Both charges carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and fines ranging from $300,000 to $1,000,000.
Per the request of the Dakota County Attorney’s Office, his bail amount was set at $75,000 without conditions or $60,000 with conditions. Court documents state there is a concern for public safety as there is reportedly potential Thomas could not appear in court, and his escalating criminal behavior. Thomas’s recent criminal activities, including committing this latest offense while on felony probation, were also highlighted as significant concerns.
This article provides an overview of the allegations against Thomas, detailing the charges, evidence, and potential legal outcomes. The community is reminded that charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Further updates on this case will depend on the progress of the legal proceedings.
